Kentucky: Comprehensive Pro-Gun Reform Legislation Goes to Governor

Yesterday, the Kentucky House of Representatives voted to concur on House Bill 128, as amended by the state Senate, by a 92-6 vote. This important pro-gun reform legislation passed in the state Senate last Thursday by a 37-1 vote. HB 128 will now be sent to Governor Steve Beshear (D) for his signature.

Sponsored by state Representative Robert Damron (D-39), HB 128, as initially introduced, would allow retired peace officers with a valid Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CDWL), in accordance with the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), to carry at all times in Kentucky, with an exception for detention facilities.

Amendments added to HB 128 in the state Senate have incorporated the following pro-gun reform bills, resulting in a timely and comprehensive package that your NRA fully supports:

Senate Bill 100, sponsored by state Senator Sara Beth Gregory (R-16), would streamline the Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CDWL) process by allowing applicants to submit their forms electronically. This would apply to both new and renewing applicants. Allowing applicants to submit license information electronically provides them with greater access to the CDWL process.

Senate Bill 125, sponsored by state Senator Dennis Parrett (D-10), would allow honorably discharged service members to waive the training requirement for a concealed deadly weapon license with the proper documentation.

Senate Bill 192, sponsored by state Senator R.J. Palmer (D-28), would allow for special law enforcement officers employed by school districts to be included in the definition of “police officer” and make them eligible for certain Kentucky Office of Homeland Security grants.

Senate Bill 232, sponsored by state Senator Brandon Smith (R-30), would require that certification by a chief law enforcement officer (CLEO), when a signoff is required for the transfer of a firearm or other item regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA), be provided within fifteen days as long as the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving the firearm or other item. By removing any possibility of personal bias and creating a statewide standard, SB 232 protects the rights of law-abiding gun owners across the Bluegrass State.

House Bill 213, sponsored by state Representative Joni Jenkins (D-44), would allow corrections officers, current or retired, of urban-county governments or consolidated local governments to use their professional training to satisfy the training requirement in applying for a concealed-carry permit. HB 213, as amended by state Representative Stan Lee (R-45), would also allow new residents in Kentucky who have valid concealed carry licenses from other states that have a reciprocal agreement with the Kentucky Department of State Police, to waive the training requirements for Kentucky licenses and to use the out-of-state license in Kentucky for their first 120 days of residence, providing that within sixty days of the resident moving to Kentucky, he or she delivers a form and accompanying documents by registered or certified mail to the Department of Kentucky State Police, evidencing proof of a valid out-of-state license to carry a concealed deadly weapon. This amendment also stipulates that an out-of-state concealed carry license will become invalid in Kentucky upon either the passage of 120 days or issuance to the person a valid Kentucky concealed deadly weapons license.

House Bill 351, sponsored by state Representative Gerald Watkins (D-3), would allow an individual who has legally sought a court-issued Emergency Protection Order (EPO) the ability to better defend themselves by expediting the permitting process for a CDWL, after a background check. Senate Bill 106, sponsored by state Senator Jared Carpenter (R-34), was the Senate counterpart to HB 351 and its language and identical intent were included as well.

Thank you to all NRA members across Kentucky who tirelessly worked to see these important pro-gun reforms through to final passage. Please call and e-mail Governor Steve Beshear and politely urge him to sign HB 128 into law. Governor Beshear can be reached by telephone at (502) 564-2611 and by e-mail here.